What Are You Doing for Christmas?

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           Even though the signs of Christmas seem to start showing up earlier each year, the traditional downhill sled ride to the holiday starts the day after Thanksgiving.  Still, Black Friday no longer is only the Friday after Turkey Day.  Several "Black Fridays" have popped up with internet sales and special sales in stores trying to salvage low sales figures of the previous year.  What's the point anyway?

           It wouldn't be a bad thing if we all kept up the spirit of Christmas throughout the year and the economy might experience a year long boom if everyone spent money like they do at the holidays.  Well, it might be a boom until the reality set in that credit has limits and money for most of us is limited.

           In theory Christmas is more than spending lots of money and giving and receiving gifts.  The spirit of the season should be something inside of us and a generous outpouring of love and kindness for our families and others.   Charities count on that generosity in the month of December and many businesses would be in big trouble if not for the flow of festive money spending during that time.

           These days it's not the best of times for many of us, but it's not the worst of times either--at least not yet.  Most of us are still getting by fairly decently.  We've got a place to live, clothes to keep us warm, food to eat, and so many other luxuries that we take for granted.  If you're reading this blog that's evidence that you're not totally lacking and living in squalor.

           So what are you doing for Christmas this year?  Will you be enjoying family time as I hope will be the case with me and my wife?  We miss our kids and grandkids.   Hopefully we'll be able to share some good times with them.  Some of you may be volunteering your time for worthy causes while others may be hard at work in jobs that become busier during this time.  Or maybe you'll be at home just getting by or just getting some rest.

           Whatever the choice you make in what you do for the holidays, remember your blessings and share blessings with others.  We have much for which to be thankful, even when we think we don't.  There is always something in our lives that is good and beautiful.  It's up to you to make it so, whether it be the way you contribute to positive change around you or making a positive within yourself.

             There have been good things in your life.  Look around you if you don't think so.  See the sky, the flowers, the trees.   Hear the songs of the birds and the laughter of children at play.  Life is waiting for you to savor it before you have to leave this world.  There has been good and good things are still to come.  Much of that good is for you to find or create.  Be thankful not just at Thanksgiving, but every day of your life.

           What are you most thankful for this year?   What do you hope you can say you are most thankful for this time next year?